5 BODY re-shaping benefits of Papaya

This tropical fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and has antioxidant properties. It also contains magnesium, potassium, niacin, carotene, protein, fiber and an enzyme called papain that provides many health benefits.

Not just the fruit pulp, even the seeds of papaya have many health benefits.

1. It’s one of the most powerful anti-aging foods around!

• It brightens skin complexion

• Reduces acne and pimples

• Fades skin spots

• Highly moisturizing

• Reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.

The powerful enzymes contained in Papaya are often extracted and used in many anti-aging beauty products (some of which cost an arm and a leg). Problem is, to get the best benefits of this enzyme, it has to be used in its NATURAL form which means A) eating it fresh and B) making a mask out of it .

Most women believe if they just put it on their skin, the problem will be solved.....WRONG! You got to treat the issue from the INSIDE as well! So, by incorporating fresh papaya into your diet (first thing in the morning is ideal) and making a fresh papaya mask out of it.

Blend half cup papaya with 5ml organic natural honey.......spread it over your face and chill out for 15-20min in a hot bath.....PLUS if some trickles into your mouth it’s a sweet little snack while you relax in your tub of awesomeness!!!

2. Aids digestion and weight loss

Papaya is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is very good for your digestive system. It also contains a protein-dissolving enzyme called papain as well as the fat digesting enzyme called Carica papaya lipase.

Healthy digestion and a healthy gut is vital for maintaining a healthy weight. When our food doesn’t digest properly and our stomach flora is out of balance SO MUCH can go wrong including unwanted weight gain and sluggish metabolism!

Therefore, with the incredible fibre content as well as these healthy enzymes, having a bowl of fresh papaya in the morning will get the stomach balanced and bowels moving (detoxing all the "crap" out of the body....also key for weight loss ;) ;) as well as keep you fuller for longer!

3. Anti cancer properties

Papaya is rich in antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals that have a negative impact on your immune system.

A healthy immune system is VITAL for the prevention of cancer and this powerful fruit has loads of Vitamin C and antioxidants to do just that!

The intense orange-pink color of papaya means it is chock full of cancer fighting carotenoids. Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance. The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive toward oxygen and free radicals.

Plus, papaya contains bioflavonoids which are semi-essential nutrients that work as nature’s modifiers and respond to biological changes in the body. The bioflavonoids in papaya modify the reaction of the body to viruses, carcinogens, and allergens, thereby protecting it from harmful and life-threatening diseases. In the case of cancer flavonoids (which are strongest in the seeds) it can reduce the risk of cancer by arresting the development of cancerous cells.

4. Help treat diabetes (....and which has a positive impact on maintaining a healthy body weight)

Contrary to loads of myths about fruit and the negative effects it has on the bodies sugar levels (most of which are inconclusive or false), a fruit like the papaya can actually benefit those with diabetes. Papaya is a powerful food that helps the digestion and breakdown of food in the stomach and therefore assisting in the release of insulin onto the blood.

The high fibre content also aids in digestion and controls the release of sugars which again helps balance and control insulin production in the pancreas.

The vitamin C and vitamin E in papaya, along with antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene, can help reduce the oxidation of cholesterol in your arteries.

The fatty layers and plaque that line the walls of the blood vessels are one of the key factors that cause diabetes!

Having clean and healthy vascular system means the flow of sugars from the blood stream and into the body is controlled and balanced.......which again links up to maintaining a healthy body weight!

5. Helps keep heart strong and blood pressure balanced

Like above, the benefits of papaya to help reduce the oxidation of cholesterol in your arteries help keep the heart strong.

Cholesterol oxidation is considered a dangerous process, potentially leading to arteries blocked with plaque that can result in heart attacks. Increasing your intake of these antioxidants from health foods like papaya may help improve blood flow to the heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Papaya is also good source of folate which helps control homocysteine levels in the bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine in the blood is known to damage blood vessels and is considered another potential cause of cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, the beneficial fiber in papaya can help lower undesirable LDL cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting its absorption during digestion. This is yet another way eating this amazing superfood can help protect us from heart disease and stroke.

* * * * * * *

What needs to be remembered, the FULL diet needs to be addressed in order to prevent or cure all these ailments above, not just focusing one aspect.

Don’t wait until you are actually diagnose with one of these life threatening diseases or struggling with problematic skin and weight gain.....prevention is better than cure!

For more information about my VEGAN Nutrition Plans that can change your health, body and life, drop me an email at hello@jodycalitz.com

#vegannutrition #healthbenefits #Health